We don’t have an image of this object online yet. V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at vaimages@vam.ac.uk for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: B.75-2014
Find out about our images

Not currently on display at the V&A

Model Scene

1946-1984 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

British toymaker Susan Wynter (1923- 2013) started making objects from wood when she was eight years old. Growing up, she lived in London near a billiard table maker where she would use the wooden off-cuts and leftover green baize to create her own objects. As Susan grew older and had children, she began to design toys for the nursery, focusing on both function and education. Through this new approach to toymaking, Susan Wynter began to gain international fame, exhibiting at the London Design Centre, the Venice Biennale, and in various trade fairs in British Pavillions.

Her business, the Toy Trumpet, began as a small toy shop in St. Ives where Susan started designing and making high quality wooden toys. Through her toys Susan was keen to promote exploration through and also designed toys for children with special needs. These toys were then sold to stores like Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. In the late 1960s Susan moved the business to Essex and settled in Brightlingsea where she employed local people. The company grew exponentially, providing toys for major companies like James Galt and the Educational Supply Association.

This scene which depicts medieval figures like a king, queen, and executioner exhibits the dual nature of learning and playing that Susan Wynter achieves with her toys. Here the scene depicts a historical moment in time, but leaves enough ambiguity for the audience to let their imagination wander.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Tudor court scene, wood, made by Susan Wynter, England, 1946-1984
Physical description
Scene consisting of a wooden hut-like structure in which three stylized figures are placed. The structure is formed by a rectangular base, a back wall and a triangular roof. Standing the middle figure appears to be an executioner with a painted black body and white gloves, and a black felt pointed balaclava with openings for the eyes. He is holding a large axe that is made from a red wooden stick and a silver tin blade.
On the right of the executioner stands the queen, painted purple, with white hands, sleeves and head cover, black and white neckline, a black pearl necklace, blue eyes and nose, a pink mouth and a white canvas headdress.
On the left of the executioner is the king, painted purple, with white hands, sleeves and neck. His hair, eyes, nose and mouth are painted black and a golden tin crown (loose) sits on top of his head.
On the top of the back of the model there is a golden ring attached by a fastner, so that the model scene can be hung. On the bottom there is a round stamp reading: "Toy Trumpet Workshop: Handmade in England."

Dimensions
  • Width: 8.5cm
  • Depth: 5cm
  • Height: 12cm
Credit line
Given by Susan Murray
Subject depicted
Summary
British toymaker Susan Wynter (1923- 2013) started making objects from wood when she was eight years old. Growing up, she lived in London near a billiard table maker where she would use the wooden off-cuts and leftover green baize to create her own objects. As Susan grew older and had children, she began to design toys for the nursery, focusing on both function and education. Through this new approach to toymaking, Susan Wynter began to gain international fame, exhibiting at the London Design Centre, the Venice Biennale, and in various trade fairs in British Pavillions.

Her business, the Toy Trumpet, began as a small toy shop in St. Ives where Susan started designing and making high quality wooden toys. Through her toys Susan was keen to promote exploration through and also designed toys for children with special needs. These toys were then sold to stores like Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. In the late 1960s Susan moved the business to Essex and settled in Brightlingsea where she employed local people. The company grew exponentially, providing toys for major companies like James Galt and the Educational Supply Association.

This scene which depicts medieval figures like a king, queen, and executioner exhibits the dual nature of learning and playing that Susan Wynter achieves with her toys. Here the scene depicts a historical moment in time, but leaves enough ambiguity for the audience to let their imagination wander.
Collection
Accession number
B.75-2014

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJuly 19, 2014
Record URL
Download as: JSON